Preparation for 200 diners under way

Esther Brignall is busy preparing for the free Christmas dinner available tomorrow night at St Peter's in the City. Photo / John Borren

The tables are set and the food is taking shape for the dinner that will feed more than 200 people on Christmas Day.

There was an exciting vibe around St Peter's in the City as the last preparations got under way, Reverend Simon McLeay said.

They had received the biggest response this year, marking their 25th year providing a free meal to people in need for the holiday.

The meal brought together people from all walks of life and it was special to share the day together, Mr McLeay said.

"We've had people that are almost in tears who would've been by themselves.

"There are parents who say they could only get their kids a small present and they've been able to come along for a nice afternoon and a meal.

"There's a real buzz about the place."

The volunteers would be serving up chicken, ham, roast vegetables with ice cream and fruit for dessert.

The tables were being covered in table cloths and festive decorations yesterday and live music was planned to add to the festivities tomorrow.

The whole meal would be made from donated food from local families, supermarkets and organisations, Mr McLeay said.

They were originally hoping for about eight hams and were overwhelmed to have received 20, as well as 20 chickens donated from New World and Food Rescue had been a huge help in providing bread rolls, he said.

"We've had wonderful donations of food flooding in."

Two hundred people could fit for a seated meal and Mr McLeay hoped they would have enough food to feed an extra 50 walk-ins.